Nakuru listed among counties with highest number of road accidents
The scene of the accident at the Nakuru-Eldoret highway along the Ngata stretch.
Nakuru has been ranked the third having the highest number of road fatalities with a total of 776 fatalities in the period 2021-2023.
During the launch of the National Road Safety Action Plan, the Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Roads, Transport and Public Works, Kipchumba Murkomem, highlighted that boda boda riders are the main cause of road accidents on the roads, followed by Public Service Vehicles (PSVs).
The latest road accident occurred at the Ngata black spot, where seven people died when a matatu they were travelling in rammed into a truck.
Ngata residents blamed trucks that break down on the side of the road as the main cause of accidents on the Ngata stretch.
However, CS Murkomen's statement casts a different light, pointing the finger at boda boda operators and matatu drivers.
Reacting to Mr Murkomen's statement, Mwanda Stephen, the spokesperson for the Boda Boda Association, said the government should look for a long-term solution as pointing fingers will not help the situation.
He says Nakuru currently has a total of 63,000 bodaboda drivers.
"We also want the CS to listen to us because he has always blamed the boda boda riders, we always obey the laws," said Mr Mwanda.
He urged the government to create avenues for public participation and engagement with various stakeholders.
"You will be in your lane, but because someone sees that they have a car, they will want to push you out of your lane and cause an accident. Sometimes where you will find that in the middle of trying to avoid potholes on the road, you are putting yourself at risk of getting into an accident," he said.
He also says the National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA) should be held accountable for continuing to issue licences to those who are not qualified to drive.
Samuel Kariuki, the Shabab Kwanza road boda boda chairman, echoed his colleague's sentiments.
"We want the government to improve road markings as some have faded over time and also put up proper road signs," said Mr Kariuki.
However, he agreed that all stakeholders must join hands and work together to curb road accidents.